ToyCon 2018 ends on a high note

Visitors inspect the Lego diorama of the Jatiya Sangsad assembled by enthusiast Juditha Ohlmacher who spent nearly a year on the set Rajib Dhar

'The convention created a great opportunity for young collectors to interact with the vendors and others, examine what collectors have, and be a part of the community'

For the second year around, the largest convention of pop culture action figures and toys, “ToyCon” ended on Saturday.

The two-day event was held at Midas Center over the weekend. In its first year, it was held at the Drik Gallery in Dhanmondi.

Fans and enthusiasts flocked to the event, drawn by the countless attractions. Some were lured by the staggering number of shops selling merchandise at the event, while others were fascinated by the remarkable dedication of the enthusiasts who displayed their finest collectibles.

One of the major attractions this year was a Lego diorama of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The miniature national assembly building, assembled by Juditha Ohlmacher, captures the most minute details of the parliament with merely 8,000 Lego bricks.

A stunning assemblage of merchandise on display at ToyCon 2018 was responsible for the impressive turnout Rajib Dhar

Juditha, who has been living in Bangladesh for the past 14 years, says she made the Lego diorama to show the world the architectural work of genius that is the Jatiya Sangsad.

Numerous other collectors and enthusiasts also proudly displayed their collectibles.

Action figures, notebooks, statues, T-shirts, and other merchandise were both on display and for sale. Enthusiasts could exchange their collectibles with others at a trader’s table.

Saadi Rahman, the event organizer, said: “I am very excited and happy with the response we received this year. We have gotten bigger and better from last year. And we will come back every year.

“The convention created a great opportunity for young collectors to interact with the vendors and others, examine what collectors have, and be a part of the community.

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Saadi continued: “I have been collecting action figures for the last 35 years, and it was very challenging with the first comic-con back in 2012. But the response and enthusiasm among the fans have inspired me to organize ToyCon.”

Enthusiasts can be a part of the community through “Pop Shop”, a monthly pop culture marketplace - a brainchild of ToyCon, informed Saadi.

Sadman Saleheen, owner of Merlin’s Beard - one of the merchandise stores - told the Dhaka Tribune: “This is my first ToyCon experience. I have participated in comic-cons before. I am very happy with the responses I am getting from the visitors.

“I can proudly say that I sell products at reasonable prices which is why I am getting so many customers,”.

His products can be found online from his Facebook page named “Merlin’s Beard.”